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Winning the Widow’s Heart
To help his dying sister, Nate Cooper once broke the law—and he’s regretted it ever since. Now the ex-con turned saddler hopes for a new beginning in Turnabout, Texas. So when Nate saves a young widow’s daughter from imminent harm, he’s shocked to be called a hero.
Single mom Verity Leggett leads a safe life, avoiding danger and excitement at all costs. But her daughter’s rescuer Mr. Cooper seems like a perfectly responsible—and handsome—man she can rely on. But when his secrets come to light, will Verity be able to get over his past and see Nate for the caring man he’s become?
Texas Grooms: In search of their brides…
“Nate, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t.”
His sharp command startled her into silence. Why was he so angry with her?
His jaw tensed and he raked his fingers through his hair with an angry, jerky thrust. “Don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Was he just being polite, trying to spare her feelings? “I don’t understand.”
He took a deep, defeated-sounding breath. “You think I’m a hero. I’m not.”
That again. “You’re being too modest. You—”
But he wouldn’t let her finish. “Verity, I don’t deserve hero worship. Not from you, not from anyone. I treasure every moment of our time together this afternoon, more than you will ever know. But you don’t know—”
Seeing the dread in his expression, she wasn’t really sure she wanted to hear what he had to say. “If it’s something you’d rather not talk about, don’t feel you need to tell me.”
His smile had more grimace than humor to it. “Too late. I need to tell you this for myself as well as for you. There’s something you don’t know about me, about what I’ve done.”
WINNIE GRIGGS is the multipublished, award-winning author of historical (and occasionally contemporary) romances that focus on Small Towns, Big Hearts, Amazing Grace. She is also a list maker and a lover of dragonflies and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination. Winnie loves to hear from readers—you can connect with her on Facebook at facebook.com/winniegriggs.author or email her at [email protected].
Second Chance Hero
Winnie Griggs
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity;
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
—2 Timothy 1:7
With sincere thanks to my generous friends who are always ready to brainstorm with me—Connie, Amy, Christopher, Dustin, Renee, Beth and Lenora. And to my fabulous editor Melissa Endlich, whose suggestions are always aimed at making my work tighter and stronger.
Contents
Turnabout, Texas April 1897
Verity Leggett took firmer hold of her daughter’s hand as they approached the street crossing. There wasn’t much in the way of carriage or horse traffic this time of morning, but